Has My Dog Got Worms?

There are many different types of worm that dogs can pick up and when they spend the majority of the day sniffing the floor or eating things that they are not supposed to, we shouldn't be surprised that from time-to-time dogs get worms. This article looks at some of the most common types of worm that your dog can get.

The following can be fairly disgusting, but if you are able to identify that they have got worms, then you can save them from some severe discomfort. In the event that your dog does get worms, then please consult a local vet.

Roundworm

Roundworms live in a dog's intestine and shed eggs continually. As a result the dog will produce about 6 extra ounces of faeces each day. Each additional ounce will be home to hundreds of thousands of eggs. Be aware that roundworms can be transmitted to humans as well!

In puppies, roundworms cause bloated bellies, diarrhoea, coughing and vomiting. In severe cases, young puppies could die if not treated. Cleanliness is the best preventative measure to avoid roundworms. Always pick up and dispose of the waste of your dog as hygienically as possible.

Tapeworm

There are many different types of tapeworm, all of which are carried by fleas. After the dog eats the flea, the cycle starts. Like roundworms, tapeworms can be passed onto humans and can make you very unwell indeed, and in extreme cases can even lead to liver failure.

Heartworm

Heartworms are thin; they can grow up to 12 inches long and live in the dog's heart and surrounding blood vessels. Symptoms may be a loss of energy, loss of appetite, coughing or the development of a pot belly.

Heartworms are passed by mosquitoes. It takes 2-3 weeks for the larvae to develop to the infective stage. Although this is a dangerous type of worm, it is quite hard for your dog to become infected with heartworms.